HARRISBURG, Pa., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nineteen Pennsylvania airports will make safety enhancements and improve their operations with the aid of a $2.1 million state investment, Governor Tom Corbett said today.

"Airports contribute to our communities' economies and create thousands of jobs for Pennsylvanians," Corbett said. "This state support will help the airports continue operating safely and ensure that they can continue to meet business demands."

The grants are distributed through PennDOT's aviation development program, which is funded from the state's jet fuel tax. The investments leverage $647,100 in local matching funds. Authorized by the General Assembly, the grants are administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation.

The grants were approved by the State Transportation Commission. The 15-member commission includes the Secretary of Transportation, 10 private citizens appointed by the governor, and the majority and minority chairs of the state Senate and House Transportation Committees.

The state has 133 public-use airports and heliports and 15 of those airports have scheduled commercial service.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us and then click on the "2013 State Transportation Program" button, or call 717-783-8800.